Dear 2017, you will (not) be missed | My Year in Review

You were a weird year. Not the worst, but not the best either. A ton of things happened in the past 12 months, but I’ll simply focus on the positive.

Winter 2017

I started off the year by accepting that I needed to reach out for help for my mental health. Very few people know about this episode in my life, but I did receive a lot of support from my close friends, except the one person who called herself my “best friend”. But let me say this, being sick, whether it’s physical or mental pain, will easily show you who your true friends are. And I believe that’s a good thing.

January 2017 also marks the beginning of my last semester at university, and I was filled with excitement and nostalgia all semester long. I will forever remember this last semester at university, especially because it opened my eyes to how much I care and am passionate about feminism and LGBTQ+ issues.

Spring 2017

I received my undergraduate diploma, after 3 years of hard work and constantly putting myself out of my comfort zone. This diploma means the world to me: not only did I get to study with 3 fantastic friends that I hope to keep for life, but I also proved myself that I can study in my second language and perform quite well. When I doubt myself, I like to think of this accomplishment: it reminds me that I am stronger than I think – and so are you.

Summer 2017

In June, I spent the loveliest weekend in Toronto with my friends from uni to celebrate our diploma and our friendship and it was a PERFECT weekend. I swear I fall a little bit more in love with the city every time I visit!

At the end of the summer, I ended a toxic friendship that had lasted for too long and was draining my energy. That person wasn’t supporting me at all (see “January 2017”) and I realized that I didn’t exist anymore in the friendship, except for her own benefit. It never felt so good to leave someone behind! Sometimes, you have to listen to yourself and take the plunge: quit the toxic relationship/job/etc. It can only make you feel better!

Fall 2017

The highlight of the last season of 2017 is definitely my taking over the blog. This is the best thing that happened to me all year, and even though I was scared to manage this blog alone (I feared I wouldn’t have enough time), I got SO MUCH support and positive feedback from friends and family that it made my heart burst with love and joy. I could never thank them enough for that.

Overall, dear 2017, I am happy we’re over. I grew wiser and stronger, but I simply cannot wait to see what 2018 is preparing for me!!

Seeking help and being able to talk about it makes us so much stronger I think. I hope you are feeling much much better now 🙂 Happy new year to you too, may 2018 bring you everything that you desire! -xoxo-